Community Responses toward Implementation of Government-Sponsored Community Based Programs in 2017: A Case in Aceh Jaya District

Abstract

This study aims to find out the community perceptions, attitudes, and participation in the implementation of the government-sponsored community-based program including health insurance for poor, scholarship, electricity bill and social fund for elderly — the study focus on the programs sponsored by the newly elected government of Aceh Jaya district in 2017. This study uses the qualitative method with descriptive research type. The determination of informants was applied by purposive sampling method. To analyze this research, researchers used Ritual Interaction theory. The data is collected through observation, deep interviews, and documentation. Then it is analyzed using a qualitative approach. The result shows that there is the polarization of response. In term of knowledge about the programs, most informants exhibit partial knowledge and pessimistic view of the implementation of the program. There are signs of a skeptic in anticipating changes in the programs that proposed by the newly elected government. However, there are who remain optimistic of the future of the program and therefore proactive in supporting program. This can be seen from their continuous support and appreciation of the program even though they actually feel disappointed with the implementation. In term of direct participation on the program, there is various response showed from low attendance in any socialization gathering and verbal bullying to the apparatus. Keywords—the community response; community divided; governmental programs; Aceh Jaya